The number of new prostate cancer cases globally will more than double over the next two decades as poorer countries catch up with the ageing of richer nations.
This is according to a Lancet report published on Thursday.
“Our findings suggest that the number of new cases annually will rise from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040,” said the medical journal, based on a study of demographic changes.
Researchers behind the study said the rise in cases is linked to increased life expectancy and changes in the age pyramid around the world.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer, which affects about 15 per cent of men, is the most common cancer in men, typically developing after the age of 50 and becoming more prevalent with age.
Researchers noted that as life expectancy rises in developing nations, so does the incidence of prostate cancer.
They emphasized that public health policies are less effective in influencing change in prostate cancer compared to lung cancer or heart disease.
Hereditary factors are much less manageable than, for example, smoking is the cause of lung cancer. A link with weight has been established but it is not yet known if this is a direct cause of prostate cancer.
Researchers also said that health authorities had to encourage earlier screening in developing countries as the disease is often diagnosed too late to give an effective treatment.
Source: News Agencies